4 Family-Related Situations That Demand Consulting A Legal Professional

No one knows what the future holds, and sometimes it’s impossible to predict how life will change. In some cases, you may find yourself in a family-related situation that demands consulting with a legal professional. While this isn’t always an easy decision to make, doing so can help to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not you need legal assistance, here are four situations that demand consulting with a lawyer.

1. Property Disputes

If you’re going through a divorce or are in the process of dividing up your assets with a former partner, it’s important to have legal representation. Property disputes can quickly become heated and complicated, so it’s best to have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of the law. According to Attwood Marshall law professionals, an experienced lawyer will be able to help you protect your interests and ensure that you receive what you’re entitled to. An attorney will help you through the following steps:

• Identify all of the marital property that needs to be divided: This step involves taking inventory of all of the property that you and your spouse own together. This includes physical assets such as your home, vehicles, and furniture, as well as intangible assets such as bank accounts, stocks, and investments. 
• Classify the property as either marital or separate: Once all of the assets have been identified, they need to be classified as either marital or separate property.  
• Determine the value of each asset: The next step is to determine the fair market value of each asset. This can be done by hiring a professional appraiser or by looking up the value of similar assets online. 
• Negotiate a fair division of property: Once the value of each asset has been determined, you and your spouse will need to negotiate a fair division of the property. 

2. Adoption

Adopting a child is a long and complicated process that requires the expertise of a legal professional. An attorney can help you through every step of the adoption process, from choosing an adoption agency to finalizing the adoption in court. They can also help you to navigate any legal issues that may arise, such as birth parent rights and open adoption agreements. 

3. Divorce

If you’re considering getting a divorce, it’s important to consult with a legal professional beforehand. Even if you and your spouse agree to the terms of the divorce, there are still several legalities that need to be taken care of. The first step in getting a divorce is to file a petition with the court. This document will need to include information about your marriage, such as when and where you were married, as well as your grounds for divorce. Once the petition has been filed, it must then be served to your spouse. This can be done by hiring a professional process server or by having a friend or family member deliver the papers. After the petition has been served, your spouse will have a certain amount of time to respond. If they agree to the terms of the divorce, you can proceed with an uncontested divorce. However, if there are any disagreements, you will need to resolve these issues through mediation or litigation.

Custody Battles

If you’re fighting for custody of your children, you’ll need all the help you can get. Custody battles can be emotionally draining and difficult to navigate on your own especially if there is a DFC Investigation. A good lawyer will be able to help you build a strong case and fight for the custody arrangement that’s in the best interests of your child. There are two types of child custody: 

• Physical custody: Physical custody refers to where the child will live. If you have physical custody of your child, they will reside with you most of the time. 

• Legal custody: Legal custody gives you the right to make decisions about your child’s education, health care, and religious upbringing. Even if you don’t have physical custody of your child, you may still have legal custody. 

4. Prenuptial Agreements

If you’re getting married, it’s important to protect yourself financially in case of a divorce. A prenuptial agreement is a contract that is signed before marriage and outlines each spouse’s financial rights and responsibilities in the event of a divorce. Prenuptial agreements can cover topics such as spousal support, property division, and the division of debt. 

While some couples choose to draft their prenuptial agreement, it’s always best to have a lawyer review the agreement to make sure that it’s legally binding. So, you may be glad you took the time to protect yourself financially. These are just a few examples of situations where it’s important to consult with a legal professional. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek legal advice.